I feel like Gumby... kind of just blah... I need some energy?
I just started taking gabapentin, how long before it gets into the system and starts working?
Question posted by sichley on 6 Aug 2012
Last updated on 30 May 2018
6 Answers
butterflylynn
8 Aug 2012
Sichly,
You didn't say how much & how long you have been on this. But usually it takes about a month for your body to become adjusted to this medication & get the full effect of this drug. If you just started taking this they usually start you on a low dose & will increase the dosage up after a month.
But as far as the groggy & low fatigue feeling it should get better as soon as your body becomes adjusted to the med. If it has been more than a month you should talk to your dr.
I have been on 900mg 3x day for about 10 yrs now & have not had any issues. But everyone reacts differently to medication so when in doubt always call your dr.
Take care, Kathy
ohmyachinashe
7 Aug 2012
Hi Sichley, I have been on Gabapentin for a little over 4 years now. I cannot take the full dose which the neurologist prescribed {3600mg} because it makes me extremely drowsy and I am unable to function normally. My primary doctor cut my dose to 1800mg-2400mg at my discretion. I take it for postherpetic neuralgia, it helps some,within a few days after starting it, I could feel a difference but, I am pretty tired most of the time. Hope you get to feeling better.
endlessPred
7 Aug 2012
The speeds of effect can be found by calling your doctor or your pharmacy. They have the info for you.
meyati
7 Aug 2012
It also depends on how much you're taking, besides what it is prescribed for, and how severe your problem is. The longer you've had the condition and pain from it is usually a sign that it'll take longer for it to work. Of course the more you take, the sleepier you'll be. I never had problems in taking gabapentin for RSD flare ups. It hurt to try to write. gabapention slows down your neural synopsis, so my doctors had me slowly build up my dosage, and then taper off.
judyahecht043013
6 March 2018
How long have you suffered from RSD? I was diagnosed in 1988. Does the gabapentin help your pain? How long before you felt a difference in your pain?
Marie_C
30 May 2018
judyahecht043013. I was diagnosed with RSD in 2003. Gabapentin and Lyrica did not help me at all. The Gabapentin actually dulled the pain and burning just a little, but I had horrible muscle spasms (in the affected limbs), and the Lyrica made me gain weight and very zombie-like which only made the pain worse. Physical therapy with diet change, tens, heat, and massage coupled with injections (I don't know if they were steroid or blocks, sorry) in the affected nerve bundle (1 in my neck by my voice box, 1 in my spine) and muscle relaxers/opioids for breakthrough pain was the best relief that I found for myself. Remission brings a new wealth of problems, though. My right leg was affected by RSD (now CRPS), and I have been having problems with my knee, hip, and back ever since. Just diagnosed with spinal stenosis, and my knee is so bad that I need a full replacement. I'm 37, mother of 3, full time career, and married. Best of luck to you.
Inactive
7 Aug 2012
It takes a bit of time for gabapentin to reach therapeutic levels in your blood. It is usually given to people for nerve pain. I think your blah, gumby side effect will subside with a tincture of time.
Good luck and have a wonderful day.
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
Inactive
6 Aug 2012
Hello sichley. Feeling tired, is a common side effect to taking Gabapentin. Anywhere from 1 to 6% of people taking it experience fatique when taking the drug. How soon you begin to feel results depends on the reason you were perscribed the drug. Good luck on the drug, hope it helps you, pledge
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Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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